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matters. We will have time enough when our guests are gone. What must be settled is whether you wish to make some commitment either to Leicester or Salisbury about Adam and, if so, to which." |
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"It is no easy choice. Leicester would be kind to Adam and would not take his mischief amiss, having a merry nature of his own. His lands are not far divided from Simon'sAdam's, I meanand he is wise in the management of his vassals. He is a good man of his hands also; Simon said he fought well in the Holy Land. I have nothing to say against him except that he leans to his father's teachings and will not fight in the king's wars if he can avoid it. This is good and wise, but no way for a boy to learn of battle." |
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"I do not think you need to worry overmuch for that," Ian remarked drily. "If what I fear comes, there will be fighting enough. In any case, there are bound to be disaffected vassals that Leicester must deal with or, in these times, attacks upon his vassals for which he must bring them aid." |
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"I suppose that is true, but I have come much to your way of thinking about Salisbury. Certainly he is a good man, and Adam could learn from him all there is to know about war, but against that, his lady could sour any young man upon marriage for life." Ian chuckled acknowledgment of that, but Alinor continued, "And also there is the problem that he is so much at court that Adam could almost as well go to the king." |
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"There is something else I had better tell you. It may be easier to put off Salisbury than Leicester. Salisbury can be told that you do not wish to make a double tie to one housethat will not give him offense; he will acknowledge it as reasonable. Salisbury desires to make contract for Joanna with his son Geoffrey." |
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"No!" Alinor exclaimed explosively. |
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Ian was shocked speechless for a moment. He had grown very fond of Geoffrey in the past few weeks and, although he had sense enough not to make any com- |
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